Best hike with views: Mount Constitution, Orcas Island. Take in the soaring 360-degree views from the stone tower atop Mount Constitution the easy way (drive), or the hard way (hike). Either way, summiting the highest point in the San Juans, in Moran State Park, offers spectacular vistas of the Cascade and Olympic mountains, the Canadian Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and all of the San Juans. For more suggestions on hikes with great views, visit Seattle Magazine. PHOTO CREDIT: David Muench

Best hike with views: Mount Constitution, Orcas Island. Take in the soaring 360-degree views from the stone tower atop Mount Constitution the easy way (drive), or the hard way (hike). Either way, summiting the

Best hike into old growth forest: Grove of the Patriarchs, Mount Rainier. If you like your trees old—really old—this easy one-and-a-half-mile lollipop loop is a must. The grove is home to some of the oldest (more than 1,000 years) and biggest trees in western Washington; strolling amongst their cathedral beauty truly inspires awe. For more suggestions on hikes in old growth forests, visit Seattle Magazine. PHOTO CREDIT: Terry W. Eggers

Best hike into old growth forest: Grove of the Patriarchs, Mount Rainier. If you like your trees old—really old—this easy one-and-a-half-mile lollipop loop is a must. The grove is home to some of the oldest

Best hike to see wildflowers: Sourdough Ridge Trail: Sunrise, Mount Rainier. For subalpine meadows bursting with extravagant color, head to Sunrise, the highest spot you can drive to on Mount Rainier. By early August, the world-famous wildflower displays there are in their full glory; acre upon acre of vivid lupine and paintbrush, avalanche lily and fireweed. Fore more suggestion on hikes with great wildflowers, visit Seattle Magazine. PHOTO CREDIT: Alan Majchrowicz

Best hike to see wildflowers: Sourdough Ridge Trail: Sunrise, Mount Rainier. For subalpine meadows bursting with extravagant color, head to Sunrise, the highest spot you can drive to on Mount Rainier. By early

Best hike to see color change: Heather Meadows, near Mount Baker. Long after the wildflowers fade, vivid color reamins on western Washington trails, especially at Heather Meadows, come September or October. For more suggestions on hikes to see color change, visit Seattle Magazine. PHOTO CREDIT: Earl Robicheaux

Best hike to see color change: Heather Meadows, near Mount Baker. Long after the wildflowers fade, vivid color reamins on western Washington trails, especially at Heather Meadows, come September or October. For

Best hike to see waterfalls: Twin Falls State Park, near North Bend. For a nearby hike that feels a world away, scoot east to Twin Falls near North Bend and take a sweet summer ramble along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. For more suggestions on the best hikes to see waterfalls, visit Seattle Magazine. PHOTO CREDIT: Rich Leighton

Best hike to see waterfalls: Twin Falls State Park, near North Bend. For a nearby hike that feels a world away, scoot east to Twin Falls near North Bend and take a sweet summer ramble along the South Fork of

Best hike to see wildlife: Golden Gate Trail, Paradise, Mount Rainier. In late summer, this trail cuts through a meadow so awash with vivid wildflower color, it may take you a while to spot them, but once you do, you can’t stop spotting them: hoary marmots. For more suggestions on the best hikes to see wildlife, visit Seattle Magazine. PHOTO CREDIT: Garrit Vyn

Best hike to see wildlife: Golden Gate Trail, Paradise, Mount Rainier. In late summer, this trail cuts through a meadow so awash with vivid wildflower color, it may take you a while to spot them, but once you

Best alpine lake hike: Lake Serene, Mount Index. f you love waterfalls and alpine lakes, the hike up to Lake Serene might be your idea of heaven. The first half of the hike is innocuous enough, with a low grade up an old logging road that winnows down into a trail. For more suggestions for the best alpine lake hikes, visit Seattle Magazine. PHOTO CREDIT: Amanda Wilson

Best alpine lake hike: Lake Serene, Mount Index. f you love waterfalls and alpine lakes, the hike up to Lake Serene might be your idea of heaven. The first half of the hike is innocuous enough, with a low grade

Like nowhere else in the world, here, a short drive and an adventurous spirit are all it takes to transport you to a place of incomparable beauty. Whether you seek a hard-fought climb to rarified air or a simple, in-city stroll amongst towering old-growth trees, there's a hike or walk here to suit your mood, energy level and time.

So strike out on the path of your choosing; you'll find serenity, soaring views — and a sweet workout — on these 20 spectacular trails. Just click through the following photos to find wonderful hikes for all skill levels.